Bert Olmstead was the LW on Jean Béliveau's line in their consecutibe Cup run of the late 1950s. He was one of the most effective checkers against Gordie Howe in addition to being a pretty good scorer. he was a counterpoint to the right wing, Bernie Geoffrion, who was weak defensively.
When it was suggested that Toe Blake use Geoffrion might to check Howe, who was approaching 50 goals in one season (something Geoffrion as well as the Rocket had achieved), Howe said he wished he would. Howe disliked Olmstead because he checked doggedly but eschewed fighting.